CRANBOURNE teens rode away from a Geelong event with new confidence, new skills and new bikes.
The Cranbourne Secondary College students were among more than 800 aged 13 to 17 years from across Victoria to attend a Happiness Cycle event on Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 November.
They spent the day building confidence, independence and risk analysis skills by learning bike mechanics and maintenance, road safety awareness and endurance.
Every student attending the event received a new bicycle plus a helmet, bike lock and set of lights.
The Happiness Cycle is now in its third year and motivates teens to get more involved in their community through bike riding.
Coca-Cola South Pacific created the program with not-for-profit organisation Bicycle Network.
Bicycle Network CEO Craig Richards said bike riding was a huge part of growing up.
“It gives young people independence and develops the ability to recognise risk and understand the consequences,” he said.
“This program encourages teens to interact with their peers through bike riding while learning life-changing skills.
“It is fantastic to know that so far we have assisted 10,000 Aussie teens in disadvantaged communities transition from teen to young adult.
“It’s an exciting moment when we hand out the bikes.
“In the days of iPhones and computer games, a bike is still a coveted item for teens and unfortunately they are not in easy reach for some of these young people.
“We are giving kids access to something they otherwise wouldn’t have had, and there’s no greater joy than that.”
The Happiness Cycle works with program partner Beacon Foundation to connect with the teens through their schools and community groups.
